Samaras hints at political reemergence amid New Democracy fragmentation
Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has once again stirred speculation about a potential political initiative, leaving the door open to the idea of forming a new party. Speaking at an event at the War Museum in Athens, Samaras offered pointed criticism of the government's foreign policy and internal handling of national issues, signaling deeper divisions within New Democracy (ND).
While no formal announcement was made, Samaras' tone and rhetoric suggested an increasing readiness to act, without outright denying reports of a new political movement. Analysts argue that his strategic ambiguity allows his influence to grow without immediate political cost. “His positions carry more weight precisely because they are not yet tied to a new party,” one political observer noted.
The government has so far declined to respond officially, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expected to avoid the topic entirely during his meeting today with ND’s new party secretary, Kostas Skrekas. Still, senior officials are said to be closely monitoring Samaras' growing presence and rhetorical intensity.
Samaras’ remarks included a veiled rebuke of Mitsotakis, responding with sarcasm to perceived criticism about “couch advisers”: “Tell him not to worry. He has Gerapetritis, Dokos, and all of ELIAMEP beside him. All good! And no worse. God help us,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Invoking “responsibility” and “hope” — terms heavily weighted in Greek political discourse — Samaras declared, “What I have to say about my country, I will continue to say. That’s a matter of responsibility. And from responsibility is born hope.” His closing phrase, “Hope is coming,” was seen by many as a deliberate echo of SYRIZA’s former campaign slogan, fueling further speculation of a looming political comeback.
Attendance at the event underscored the political undercurrents. ND MPs were fewer in number compared to previous years, with some figures aligned with Kostas Karamanlis and others known supporters of Samaras present. Karamanlis himself addressed security and defense issues but refrained from entering the fray on internal party disputes.
Observers note that while Samaras appears poised to influence the political narrative more directly, Karamanlis remains committed to ND’s institutional structure. This divergence in approach may reflect deeper tensions within the party’s traditional base.
